Fast Casual Restaurants - Firehouse Subs (1 Viewer)

[Dan Lambskin]

In Pittsburgh there are so many Mom & Pop pizza places and the hoagies, steak, meatball and hot sausage sandwiches they make blow away any of the national chains.

Nobody cares.

 

[NutterButter]

In Pittsburgh there are so many Mom & Pop pizza places and the hoagies, steak, meatball and hot sausage sandwiches they make blow away any of the national chains.

Nobody cares.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

In Pittsburgh there are so many Mom & Pop pizza places and the hoagies, steak, meatball and hot sausage sandwiches they make blow away any of the national chains.

Nobody cares.

GB - Don't mind him, these Lions fans just stay angry and spiteful.

Did I ever tell you Dan drafted Vernon Davis in the 3rd ####### round in our fake football draft last year?

And no, it wasn't 1.5pt TE scoring. Worst pick when someone was trying that I have ever personally seen.

When he isn't angry he seems pretty cool, but he drafts like a monkey trying to #### a football.

 

[pollardsvision]

Firehouse is solid. I probably prefer Jersey Mike's more, but it really just depends on whether I want a hot sub or cold sub at the moment. We don't have great mom and pop sub shops around here. Around here, mom and pop subs just mean somebody picking from whatever deli meat they can get from Sysco and whatever bun they can get from the crappy regional suppliers. Nothing special and they really aren't doing anything better than Jersey Mike's or Firehouse.

Subs are an odd game. There's basically no cooking involved outside of toasting a bun every once and again (or, if you're Quizno's "it's toasted" is the entire schtick). Subs are basically buy some deli meat and bread for a dollar and sell for two. I don't eat subs often, but the thought of essentially paying people to rent their deli slicer for 15 seconds to plop some deli meat on the bun annoys me a little every time I do it.

Back to Firehouse, I appreciate that they have multiple hot sauce options available. Frankly, I tend to avoid places that make it a pain the ### for me to get a little hot sauce with my meal. Don't even get me started on places that, when asked for hot sauce, bring out a little ramekin of Frank's. Just give me a ####### bottle you cheapskates.

So, kudos for that, but I do wish had some standard staples in the collection. I'm generally unimpressed with "boutique" hot sauces. I don't care for marketing gimmicks like Jack Daniel's hot sauce or mango hot sauces or capsicum extracts or whatever. Crystal, Tabasco, Pete, Sriracha.....those are huge sellers for a reason. They are damn good. Most of the time I'd rather have those than the smorgasbord of marketing gimmicks at Firehouse.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Firehouse is solid. I probably prefer Jersey Mike's more, but it really just depends on whether I want a hot sub or cold sub at the moment. We don't have great mom and pop sub shops around here. Around here, mom and pop subs just mean somebody picking from whatever deli meat they can get from Sysco and whatever bun they can get from the crappy regional suppliers. Nothing special and they really aren't doing anything better than Jersey Mike's or Firehouse.

Subs are an odd game. There's basically no cooking involved outside of toasting a bun every once and again (or, if you're Quizno's "it's toasted" is the entire schtick). Subs are basically buy some deli meat and bread for a dollar and sell for two. I don't eat subs often, but the thought of essentially paying people to rent their deli slicer for 15 seconds to plop some deli meat on the bun annoys me a little every time I do it.

Back to Firehouse, I appreciate that they have multiple hot sauce options available. Frankly, I tend to avoid places that make it a pain the ### for me to get a little hot sauce with my meal. Don't even get me started on places that, when asked for hot sauce, bring out a little ramekin of Frank's. Just give me a ####### bottle you cheapskates.

So, kudos for that, but I do wish had some standard staples in the collection. I'm generally unimpressed with "boutique" hot sauces. I don't care for marketing gimmicks like Jack Daniel's hot sauce or mango hot sauces or capsicum extracts or whatever. Crystal, Tabasco, Pete, Sriracha.....those are huge sellers for a reason. They are damn good. Most of the time I'd rather have those than the smorgasbord of marketing gimmicks at Firehouse.

Italian places with authentic italian deli meats gets me excited - prefer a good toasted bun and the provolone melted - or a good cheese steak sub. Outside of that - I'd rather make a sandwich at home. If I can't do those things, I get some other kind of fast food. Fast food subs are all bread and ####ty turkey-based pressed meat.

Hell I would much rather have "chipped" (shaved) chopped ham.

 

[FattyVM]

Is anyone else like me and hesitant to try new places because you fear running into some complicated, quirky ordering system you don't have the patience to deal with?

I walked in Firehouse, and immediately turned around when I noticed they had one of those new coke machines. I want no part of that thing. I am terrified.

I haven't seen one, but that sounds like the kind of thing I'd like to avoid. Some places you walk in and there's customers standing in like three different groups at different stages of the ordering process and I know right off I'm going to have to spend a half hour figuring it out before I go in for lunch. It's like jumping into a double dutch jumprope situation.

Agreed. Love places that do online ordering (Like Chipotle and Five guys.) Makes life so much simpler.

Which Wich has online ordering now!

Doesn't look like there's one within a hundred miles from me.*kickscan* My buddy when he was down in boston for school got me hooked on their local chain, The Real Deal, hit that up frequently during our visits... plus they delivered for those nights when you had a few too many.

 

[cosjobs]

A Moe's is opening up near me. How's their mexican food? On par with Chipoltcoli?

I love that place. Most people will say Chipotle is better. Try the Homewrecker.

What are your thoughts on Willy's? I think it goes Willy's > Moe's > Chipotle > Qdoba (been years since I've eaten at one)

Highly recommend Cafe Rio if there's one near you. The best of all these places by a mile IMO.

In Georgia - doesn't appear to be any around. There's also Baja Fresh around here but I wasn't a fan. Willy's may be a local chain in Atlanta but it's great.

Do they serve po'boys in the ghetto?

 

[Bobcat10]

Panera is my favorite. There's one two minutes away, and online ordering with their app is quick and easy. There's even a side door that's 3 steps away from where they leave the pickup orders. I don't have to wait in line or mingle with any undesirables. And their food is pretty good for the price point.

Love the chicken, avocado and bacon sandwich. Reasonably healthy and very tasty and yeah, I don't have to talk to a single human being to get one.

Yes, that's my new go to. What's great about the app to order ahead is it has all your customizations loaded and which cost more. Anything to avoid the crazy lines and clueless register order takers. I add peppercini and onion to this and sometimes switch the bread to better handle the changes.

Pepperoncini. Interesting. I might have to try that. Looking at the app, they have a lot of interesting sandwich toppings.

Did it with the pepperoncini today. The one's the gave me weren't the thin rings. It was more like one big one per half. It added a nice flavor though. I love that sandwich but its tough to eat without stuff falling out due to the shape of the avocado and turkey chunks. I'm going to trying smearing the avocado with a fork next time before eating.

That rapid pick up feature in the app is heavenly. I literally don't have to interact with a single person.

Correct, the cinis are basically whole. My other sandwich there, the Italian Combo, comes with them. If you never had the Italian, I have no idea how you'd even know Panera had those peppers (besides the app). Also, everything falling out of the avocado sandwich is why I change the bread. The ciabatta works well. I need to try the French baguette too.And yes, the rapid pickup is great! Can eat it there too.

 

[cheese]

The one thing I like about Jimmy Johns is when I am watching my diet and have to eat fast you can get any sub there in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. Double the hot peppers and it is pretty good.

Decent idea considering my main objection to this place is using cardboard for buns

 

[Annyong]

Wait, noodles and company is like spaghetti and not Asian?

 

[[icon]]

Just realized there is a Lenny's less than 2 miles from the office. Excited to give it a go. This thread has been helpful.

Report Back!

Be sure and try the red/hot pepper relish! It's not terribly spicy but it's so good. Good salt & vinegar chips too... which are hard to find down here in the south.

Don't be a ####, nugget

 

[[icon]]

Wait, noodles and company is like spaghetti and not Asian?

This is extra funny with your avatar

 

[Don Quixote]

Wait, noodles and company is like spaghetti and not Asian?

It's both. They have spaghetti and other Italian-type dishes, and they also have Asian-style noodles.

 

[Chemical X]

I'd swear that giant coke machine has a button for slurm.

also, Jason's Deli could be added here..........free ice cream, nice salad bar.

 

[Swing 51]

Only thing I don't like about Jason's Deli is the use of microwaves. But good sandwiches and the soups/chili are really good too.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Getting potbelly today

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Big fan of the schlotzsky's chain, the only problem is that there aren't any in the Bay Area.

 

[The Commish]

I'd swear that giant coke machine has a button for slurm.

also, Jason's Deli could be added here..........free ice cream, nice salad bar.

and pretty tasty soups.

 

[John Bender]

Getting potbelly today

Get the chili too. It's delicious.

 

[[icon]]

I'd swear that giant coke machine has a button for slurm.

also, Jason's Deli could be added here..........free ice cream, nice salad bar.

FYP

 

[Annyong]

Went to a new place by me called Mooyah. Apparently it's a chain. It was nestled between a Chipotle and Potbelly. They are basically like 5 Guys but with better quality IMO. They bake their own buns, which were good. I'm a sucker for nice buns.

 

[sho nuff]

Big fan of the schlotzsky's chain, the only problem is that there aren't any in the Bay Area.

Never was a fan, most around here closed.

Wife did weight watchers after our forst child and almost everything they had was terrible according to ww.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Went to a new place by me called Mooyah. Apparently it's a chain. It was nestled between a Chipotle and Potbelly. They are basically like 5 Guys but with better quality IMO. They bake their own buns, which were good. I'm a sucker for nice buns.

Ate there last weekend. Big fan. Expensive, but I'd go back.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Didn't seem thread worthy so I'll ask here.

I just noticed today a Jersey Mike's opened near me. I've been getting subs at a mom n pop my whole life but they closed recently. I haven't had a decent sub since.

JM's is in a strip mall in a spot that will be a PIA for me to hit for dinner after work someday.

Is it worth going out of my way or no?

 

[Limp Ditka]

Didn't seem thread worthy so I'll ask here.

I just noticed today a Jersey Mike's opened near me. I've been getting subs at a mom n pop my whole life but they closed recently. I haven't had a decent sub since.

JM's is in a strip mall in a spot that will be a PIA for me to hit for dinner after work someday.

Is it worth going out of my way or no?

IMO, the best of the large chain sub places. Think it will come down to if you like their bread or not.

 

[joker]

Yep, another vote for Jersey Mike's, they're by far the best of the large chain subs in my opinion as well. "Mike's Way" is the bomb.

 

[McGarnicle]

Places that have opened within two miles of my house in the past year:

Freddy's Chicago Dogs (2)

Zoe's Kitchen (2)

Jersey Mike's (and already had one within 3 miles)

Panda Express

Which Wich

Burger 21

Newk's

Mac Daddy's

And I thought we were already saturated -- Jimmy John's, Jason's Deli, Panera (2), Moe's, Chipotle, Firehouse, Capriotti's already exist within a 5-10 minute drive and I know I'm forgetting some. And we wonder why Americans are a bunch of fat sacks of ####.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

IMO, the best of the large chain sub places. Think it will come down to if you like their bread or not.

Do they bake their bread in house?

 

[Mr. Ected]

Places that have opened within two miles of my house in the past year:

Freddy's Chicago Dogs (2)

Zoe's Kitchen (2)

Jersey Mike's (and already had one within 3 miles)

Panda Express

Which Wich

Burger 21

Newk's

Mac Daddy's

And I thought we were already saturated -- Jimmy John's, Jason's Deli, Panera (2), Moe's, Chipotle, Firehouse, Capriotti's already exist within a 5-10 minute drive and I know I'm forgetting some. And we wonder why Americans are a bunch of fat sacks of ####.

Which Wich is pretty good. I like their ordering method; you take one of the paper sub bags and check off the items you want in the sandwich. They have different types of bags based on basic styles, but you do your order, and they know what you want - less confusion.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Do they bake their bread in house?

Yes. Its a rather thick loaf, but its light, so it doesn't overwhelm the ingredients.

 

[Osaurus]

I like the spicy meatball sammich at Firehouse Subs.  Surprised me quite honestly.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Yes. Its a rather thick loaf, but its light, so it doesn't overwhelm the ingredients.

Cool, I'll give it a shot, maybe this weekend.

Thanks

 

[Bossman]

Which Wich is pretty good. I like their ordering method; you take one of the paper sub bags and check off the items you want in the sandwich. They have different types of bags based on basic styles, but you do your order, and they know what you want - less confusion.

Wow ... this makes way too much sense.

many times I've ordered my steak n cheese with lettuce / pickles / mayo ...

and get home to find I have lettuce / pickles / tomato .... or lettuce / peppers / mayo ... or lettuce / peppers / tomato

 

[EYLive]

Yep, I really enjoy both Jersey Mikes and Which Wich. Which Wich has the better membership program though, IMO.

 

[fightingillini]

Didn't seem thread worthy so I'll ask here.

I just noticed today a Jersey Mike's opened near me. I've been getting subs at a mom n pop my whole life but they closed recently. I haven't had a decent sub since.

JM's is in a strip mall in a spot that will be a PIA for me to hit for dinner after work someday.

Is it worth going out of my way or no?

I love Jersey Mike's.  I get the Italian or the tuna usually, and their cheesesteaks are good as well.  I am not a provolone cheese fan, but my wife and daughter swear it's the best provolone that they have eaten.

It blows away Subway and Jimmy John's.  Best day to go is Tuesday.... they have a special where you get a regular sub, chips and a drink for about $7.50  Great deal.

 

[RUSF18]

You guys who are into the chain Jersey Mike's would flip your #### over being at the original location back in the day. 

 

[trident]

yeah theres one near my work in Herndon

also a Duck Donuts

if you have not tried you are missing out.. definitely worth a visit

Are you talking Which Wich (in Leesburg) or Noodles (on Centerville Road)?

 

[Mr. Ected]

Which Wich is pretty good. I like their ordering method; you take one of the paper sub bags and check off the items you want in the sandwich. They have different types of bags based on basic styles, but you do your order, and they know what you want - less confusion.

Wow ... this makes way too much sense.

many times I've ordered my steak n cheese with lettuce / pickles / mayo ...

and get home to find I have lettuce / pickles / tomato .... or lettuce / peppers / mayo ... or lettuce / peppers / tomato

It's very clever, they have a rail around the prep area that they clip your bag to, and it is pushed around to the different stations where they prepare the sandwich. It also works because you put your name on it, so you have them marked if you are buying a bunch.

 

[bigmarc27]

Didn't seem thread worthy so I'll ask here.

I just noticed today a Jersey Mike's opened near me. I've been getting subs at a mom n pop my whole life but they closed recently. I haven't had a decent sub since.

JM's is in a strip mall in a spot that will be a PIA for me to hit for dinner after work someday.

Is it worth going out of my way or no?

I like Firehouse better, but JM is a pretty huge step above somewhere like Subway. 

For me its Firehouse, Publix, JM, then other places I eat at if I'm starving with no other options. 

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Which Wich is pretty good. I like their ordering method; you take one of the paper sub bags and check off the items you want in the sandwich. They have different types of bags based on basic styles, but you do your order, and they know what you want - less confusion.

I am a big cold subs fan. My personal favorite is Dibella's Old Fashioned Submarines  but I just looked up this Which Wich place. Did not know it but I have two on the other side of the town from me. Gonna go try them, simply for their ordering method! 

 

[Ray Barboni]

Just had Firehouse for the first time the other day - pretty good I thought ??‍

I got the one called the "Engineer" (turkey with melted cheese mushrooms peppers)

ps: the girl making my sub had one of the best bootys I've seen on what was probably a 90lb frame.

so maybe that's why I'm planning on going back.

 

[East Coast Bias]

Just had Firehouse for the first time the other day - pretty good I thought ??‍

I got the one called the "Engineer" (turkey with melted cheese mushrooms peppers)

ps: the girl making my sub had one of the best bootys I've seen on what was probably a 90lb frame.

so maybe that's why I'm planning on going back.

Engineer is my go to. Great sub.

 

[EYLive]

I love Jersey Mike's.  I get the Italian or the tuna usually, and their cheesesteaks are good as well.  I am not a provolone cheese fan, but my wife and daughter swear it's the best provolone that they have eaten.

It blows away Subway and Jimmy John's.  Best day to go is Tuesday.... they have a special where you get a regular sub, chips and a drink for about $7.50  Great deal.

Is this for all locations nationwide?

 

[The Commish]

Do they bake their bread in house?

They bake their own bread and cook their own roast beef.  Been going there for years and didn't know about the roast beef until I went into one and they were out.  Gave me a time of about two hours before they'd have more done.

 

[fightingillini]

Is this for all locations nationwide?

I see this deal at different locations across Charlotte, so I assume it's a national thing, but I guess I could be wrong.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Just had Firehouse for the first time the other day - pretty good I thought ??‍

I got the one called the "Engineer" (turkey with melted cheese mushrooms peppers)

ps: the girl making my sub had one of the best bootys I've seen on what was probably a 90lb frame.

so maybe that's why I'm planning on going back.

It's been an hour. What time are you going back? 

 

[Ray Barboni]

It's been an hour. What time are you going back? 

Lmao ... I'll be back there Friday - I'll do my best, I'll ask for the extra steamy buns 

that should leave me a minute or 2 to take a creepy pic 

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Yes. Its a rather thick loaf, but its light, so it doesn't overwhelm the ingredients.

Tried JMs tonight for the first time.

Very accurate description of the roll. When I unwrapped it I thought "that's allot of bread" but it was light.

Wife and I both had cheesesteaks. Mike's Way for me, lettuce and mayo.for her. Pepper relish on the side (very good).

We thought it was a good sandwich. Not great, but will go back for sure.

Could have been a little greasier

 

[houston]

Firehouse has good subs, but the wait for them to make your order always takes forever.